Modi government drafts rules for power consumer rights; looking at fixing responsibility on discoms

The Narendra Modi government is planning to give certain rights to power consumers in India. The government has prepared new rules to ensure rights of the power consumers in the country. The government is of the view that this sector is live only because of the consumers. After ensuring that the power reaches all households, the government is now taking a leap towards customer satisfaction. 

It is therefore, important to improve service to customers. The government has prepared an Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020 to make sure this happens. Many facilities have been granted to the customers under these rules.   

Transparency over power cuts 

Under this rule the power distribution companies (discoms) will be required to set average number of power cuts in a year along with the duration of cuts.  

Ease on getting electricity connection  

Under this rule, the consumers will be required to produce only two documents for availing power up to 10 kw load. There will be no demand charge for power up to 150 kw load. This is being done to ensure that more people take connection.    

In Metro cities, the new connection will be given within 7 days while in all other municipalities it will be 15 days. In rural areas the connection seekers will get connection in 30 days.  

New rights for the power consumers: 

1. The customers receiving electricity bill after 60 days will get a rebate of 2-5 per cent 

2. Electricity bill could be paid via net banking, cash, cheque, debit card. For payments over Rs 1000, the customers will be required to do it online. 

3. Rules related to disconnection, reconnection, meter replacement, billing and payment will be eased.     

4. On delay in providing services to the customers, the power distribution companies will be required to pay penalty/compensate. The compensation will be included in the bill.   

5. The customer service number will be available 24x7 and it will be toll free. An app will be launched where request for new connection, discontinuation of connection or for shifting connection could be made. The app will also allow changes in services like altering loads, changing names, meter change request etc.  

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The government has asked feedback and suggestions on the draft rules till 30 September. The final changes in the rules will be made by the Ministry of Power.